About HVIP

HVIP provides point-of-sale discounts to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) more affordable and accessible for California fleets and businesses. Created by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in 2009, HVIP has helped fleets adopt cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks through its first-come, first-served funding model.

Because zero-emission technologies are still emerging and cost more than traditional diesel vehicles, HVIP supports faster adoption to reduce greenhouse gases, lower business operating costs, and meet state climate goals. The program is part of California Climate Investments, funded by Cap-and-Invest dollars.

HVIP vouchers are available for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, including:

• Class 2b-8 trucks (delivery vans, box trucks, garbage trucks, freight trucks)
• Transit buses
• School buses
• Shuttle buses

All eligible vehicles must be new, zero-emission and meet CARB’s certification requirements. The vehicle must also be registered and operated in California. You can find all currently eligible vehicles in the HVIP vehicle catalog.

If you think a vehicle should be eligible but don’t see it listed in the catalog, please contact us.

HVIP voucher amounts vary based on your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The discount is applied directly at the point of sale, reducing your upfront purchase cost.

For current voucher amounts by vehicle weight class, please refer to the voucher table on the HVIP funding page. For ISEF and ZESBI programs, see Appendices F and G.

Voucher values are updated periodically and may have caps or additional requirements depending on the vehicle type and your fleet’s characteristics.

HVIP vouchers can only be redeemed through HVIP-authorized participating dealers. To find HVIP dealers in your area:

• Visit the approved dealer catalogue
• Search by zip code or manufacturer
• Contact HVIP dealers directly to confirm current inventory and voucher availability

Only purchases made through these participating dealers qualify for HVIP discounts. The HVIP dealer will apply the voucher discount directly at the point of sale, reducing your upfront purchase cost.

To check current funding availability:

• Visit the HVIP website for real-time funding information
• Sign up for email notifications about funding updates

HVIP set-aside funds are targeted funding allocations reserved for the deployment of specific vehicle types and to assist specific fleet operations. Current set-asides include:

• Drayage: To qualify for the drayage voucher amount, purchasers must email HVIP Processing a copy of their permission to enter a port or railyard and email Voucher Processing within 30 calendar days of the voucher request.
• Public Transit: Requests for zero-emission public transit buses will automatically be funded via the set-aside with no separate request process. When the set-aside funds are fully requested, HVIP will continue to allow standard HVIP voucher requests for all public transit bus fleets subject to funding availability.
• Public School Bus: Incentives for zero-emission school buses are available through the Public School Bus Set-Aside and Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure (ZESBI) programs. Voucher amounts are higher than standard HVIP and are not subject to standard HVIP plus-ups. Requests from school districts and other qualifying purchasers are accepted via a separate application process. See more information at HVIP and ZESBI, or contact the CALSTART school bus team. NOTE: The information in these FAQs does not apply to the School Bus Set-Aside in many cases; the Set-Aside rules are unique.
• Innovative Small e-Fleet (ISEF) Program: ISEF was established to support small fleets and owner-operators who may face barriers to zero-emission vehicle adoption such as high upfront costs and insurance options. ISEF-eligible small fleets can receive vouchers for innovative mechanisms such as all-inclusive leases, peer-to-peer truck sharing, truck-as-a-service, and other mechanisms. Truck purchases are funded via standard HVIP and the drayage set-aside; purchasers should follow the steps on the purchasers’ page of the HVIP website. Note: ISEF rules are unique and information in this FAQ may not apply. For more information, visit the ISEF page.

Current availability of both set-aside and standard funds can be found on the HVIP funding page. If set-aside funds run out, you can still request vouchers for these vehicles through standard HVIP funding, if general funding is available.

Cal Fleet Advisor (CFA) is a free technical assistance program that helps fleets and businesses navigate the process of adopting zero-emission vehicles, including applying for and maximizing HVIP funding. CFA offers personalized, one-on-one assistance from clean transportation experts who can guide you through HVIP eligibility, application steps, vehicle selection, infrastructure planning, and more. Learn more and meet with an Advisor.

A purchaser for the purposes of HVIP is the fleet or individual owner/operator who will operate or oversee the operation of the vehicle for a minimum of three years after voucher redemption. A purchaser is not a manufacturer, or dealership. Dealerships, manufacturers, and any entities under common ownership or control with such establishments are prohibited from requesting a voucher as a purchaser. Entities, including entities under common ownership or control that have been identified as a dealership or manufacturer in HVIP transactions, are prohibited from requesting new vouchers as a purchaser.

HVIP defines fleet size as follows:

• All vehicles over 8,500 lbs GVWR that are:
• Domiciled anywhere globally
• Under common ownership or control
• Vehicles registered as non-operational with the California DMV
• Any unredeemed HVIP vouchers (past awards)

What’s Not Included:

• Off-road vehicles
• Unregistered vehicles
• Vehicles registered as non-revivable junk or dismantled with the DMV

Note: CARB may verify fleet size before voucher redemption (e.g., via site visits).

Example: If a small business of 17 existing vehicles requests 4 vouchers for a total of 21 vehicles, the first three vouchers can receive the small business voucher amount because they do not exceed 20. The 4th voucher does exceed 20, therefore is ineligible for the small business voucher amount; it is eligible for the standard voucher.

Voucher adjustments can be found on the funding page.

Small fleets may be eligible for enhanced voucher amounts depending on the specific HVIP funding cycle and available set-asides. Voucher amounts are still based on your vehicle’s GVWR, but small fleets may qualify for specific incentives or have access to reserved funding pools.

For current small fleet voucher amounts and eligibility criteria, please refer to the voucher table.

Yes, HVIP vouchers can be combined with other eligible funding sources. Private fleets can receive up to 90% of the vehicle’s purchase price (before taxes and fees). Public fleets may receive up to 100%. For more information, refer to the Implementation Manual.

For stacking requirements for ISEF and ZESBI, see Appendices F and G.

Check available funding opportunities using the Funding Finder Tool.

No, HVIP does not cover taxes, fees, or other non-vehicle costs. HVIP can cover up to 90% of the cost of each vehicle for private entities, and up to 100% for public entities (exclusive of taxes, fees, and other non-vehicle costs). Refer to the respective set-aside Appendices for Public School Bus, ZESBI, and ISEF regarding potential eligibility of taxes and fees.

HVIP has a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) requirement for new battery electric school buses. Specifically, all new battery electric school buses submitted for HVIP eligibility on or after January 1, 2024 must be capable of bidirectional charging. This must comply with the ISO 15118-20 standard for vehicle-to-grid communication. Vehicle manufacturers must self-certify that their school buses meet the V2G requirements when submitting the HVIP eligibility application. Applications are available under Manufacturers Resources.

Any voucher request for a tractor, panel-step van, straight truck, refuse truck, or 2b vehicle requires a mandatory attestation by the purchaser/lessee as to compliance with labor laws (unless the purchaser is a rental or leasing entity—applicable to ISEF only). Submit the attestation and continue to renew annually, until three years after voucher redemption. The attestation includes that the purchaser will retain direct control over the manner and means for performance of any individual using or driving the vehicle.

Yes, demo vehicles are permitted within the HVIP program in accordance with Appendix I: Demonstration Vehicles. For more information, see the Appendix.

For ePTO, a $50,000 incentive level is available starting Nov. 2022 for storage capacity of greater than 25 kWh. Also, ePTO systems are allowed to fund up to 65% of the total incremental cost.

Transit agencies can submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) instead of a purchase order when requesting a voucher. A valid purchase order or binding agreement must be submitted within six months, or the request will be canceled. If an LOI is used, the voucher will stay in Funding Reserved status until the order is received. For more details, visit transit program info.

If vehicle delivery is delayed due to incomplete infrastructure, CARB may allow early voucher redemption at its discretion. The dealer must email Voucher Processing a purchaser-signed letter to confirm the vehicle is ready, but delivery is postponed. The letter must include a new estimated delivery date. Dealers must update HVIP staff every 3 months on infrastructure progress. The three-year vehicle operation requirement begins upon delivery.

HVIP-approved dealers are responsible for submitting and managing voucher requests through the Voucher Processing Center (VPC). Purchasers must work with their dealer but should not have access to VPC credentials. Dealers must complete all forms and submit required documents on behalf of the purchaser.

If two or more vouchers are requested for the same purchaser, vehicle, and domicile location by the same dealership, the smaller batch will be cancelled.

Yes, rental fleets and fleet management companies may be eligible to act as purchasers under HVIP. Reference the Implementation Manual for more information.

Each fleet can have up to 20 open voucher requests at a time. Public schools can request up to 30 vouchers per calendar year. Transit fleets can request up to 50 vouchers per calendar year. Redeemed vouchers from the same year don’t count toward the cap. For example, if a fleet requests 20 vouchers and redeems 10, they can request 10 more. Fleets under the same ownership or control (sharing a TIN or CA#) are treated as one, even if they are split into different divisions or subsidiaries.

Here’s a summary of each status during voucher processing.

These voucher request statuses track information gathering and verification before an official voucher is created:

• Pending Submittal: The dealer and purchaser gather information to create the voucher request. Timing depends on both parties. Voucher quantities are requested, and purchase orders are uploaded.
• Submitted: The dealer has gathered all information, completed the voucher request, and submitted it to the Voucher Processing team.
• Funding Reserved: Program partner Tetra Tech verifies the amount of the final voucher. Dealers have 10 days to address any issues.
• Accepted Pending Signed Forms: The purchaser receives and completes any additional required information via the Purchaser Form. Tetra Tech sends Terms and Conditions for both dealer and purchaser to sign.
• Vouchers Created: Voucher IDs become visible from the “Accepted Pending Confirmation” step. The request is complete, and the signed Terms and Conditions and Purchaser Form have been received.

Here’s how a voucher is tracked after it has been approved and created:

• Request in Process: This status is not visible to dealers; it is a placeholder. No action is needed by the dealer or Tetra Tech.
• Accepted Pending Confirmation: The dealer adds all VINs and requested vehicle information in the “Key Fields” section. Tetra Tech checks TRUCRS compliance, reviews VINs, confirms the model year, and matches it to the VPC Vehicle Catalog.
• Pending Delivery: The dealer must update the vouchers every 90 days to reconfirm the anticipated delivery date and add photos of the VIN Tag and VECI Label.
• Redemption Processing: The dealer starts working on the Redemption Form. If the redemption process takes longer than 18 months, an extension can be requested.
• Redemption Approved: CALSTART’s Accounts Payable team mails the payment to the dealer; this process takes approximately 7 days.
• Completed Paid: Check information is added to the voucher record and the dealer is reimbursed.

Current vouchers have secured funds attached to them. Unredeemed vouchers currently in the Voucher Processing Center (VPC) will not be lost, cancelled, or voided due to reopening HVIP funds.

Yes, the service facility must be affiliated with a vehicle manufacturer, located in California, and able to provide vehicle service, warranty service, dealer training, and repairs.

Residential addresses are not allowed to be used as a vehicle domicile location unless specifically approved by CARB. To seek approval, please email HVIP Processing. To provide a letter of explanation, email Voucher Processing. Additionally, school bus domicile locations not affiliated with the purchasing school district are prohibited. The Voucher Processing Center team will verify that the domicile address is affiliated with the purchaser, is in California, and is located in a Disadvantaged Community (DAC). The domicile addresses must have the parking and charging-infrastructure capacity for the number of HVIP-funded vehicles that share the same domicile address. Verification may be requested by CARB or its designee. For additional details on this policy, refer to the Implementation Manual.

CARB has initiated an assessment of zero-emission truck pricing utilizing data from a variety of sources, including HVIP pricing data and other publications, to better understand the market pricing of zero-emission Class 8 trucks. Additional analysis across other vehicle classes, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, is ongoing to assess the potential benefits of a phased-in MSRP cap. Please see the FY 24-25 CARB-approved Funding Plan for details.

Yes, please utilize the Vehicle Weight Classes & Categories to help with determining the price difference between GVWR weights.

ISEF is a set-aside within the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), designed to support small fleets and individual owner-operators making the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Through ISEF, small fleets have the option to request vouchers for all-inclusive leases, peer-to-peer truck sharing, truck-as-a-service, and other alternative business models.

ISEF is solely dedicated to innovative offerings for private or public companies, non-profits, and independent owner-operators with 20 or fewer vehicles operating in California with less than $15 million in annual revenue. Fleets may request ISEF funds for short-term leases, rentals, and truck-as-a-service through approved ISEF providers.

As of November 17, 2023, all regular truck purchases formerly made through ISEF will now be funded through Standard HVIP.

See more information in the ISEF Appendix and in the ISEF FAQs.

ISEF providers are third-party companies offering fleets flexible options that are usually not allowed in Standard HVIP. These flexible options may take the form of a short-term lease, rental, truck-as-a-service, or other service agreement. Providers work with Dealers on behalf of small fleets. Providers do not have access to the Voucher Processing Center but are primarily the main contact for small fleets. Providers are required to complete an eligibility application prior to requesting ISEF vouchers.

Yes; a dealer can also be a Provider, and they are still required to complete an eligibility application detailing their intended offerings.

Yes, ISEF vouchers count against the overall manufacture cap. 

Under ISEF, Eligible Small Fleets are California entities,* including independent owner-operators, private or public agencies with 20 or fewer vehicles and less than $15 million in annual revenue.**

*For fleets that operate under different names but are controlled by related companies, please refer to the common control definition in the HVIP Implementation Manual.

**Non-profits are exempt from the revenue cap.

Voucher funds may only be used for vehicle costs. The maximum funding available per voucher is capped at 90% of a commercial medium- or heavy-duty truck or bus’ purchase price. “Vehicle purchase price” does not include taxes, registration, delivery fees, service agreements, extended warranties, or other items when determining the maximum voucher amount.

Vouchers for the ISEF set-aside cannot be applied to taxes, registration, infrastructure installation, or infrastructure make-ready costs.

No single manufacturer may reserve more than 30 percent of total ISEF set-aside voucher funding within the first 30 days after the launch date. CARB will continue to evaluate needs in the funding categories after the first 30 days and may continue limits if warranted. Once funding for a given manufacturer has reached its cap, new voucher requests will be placed on a contingency list until the cap is lifted. CARB reserves the right to set additional criteria for, modify, or eliminate any contingency lists.

All Class 2b-8 vehicles included in the HVIP catalog are eligible for ISEF. As of January 1, 2024, buses can be requested through ISEF as well. Certain types of buses, including activity buses and youth buses, those utilized by daycares, retirement centers and similar organizations, are eligible. School buses that transport pupils at or below a 12th grade level to school or school activities and meet the definition of “school bus” in California Vehicle Code Section 545(a) are not eligible. For a full vehicle catalog, visit https://californiahvip.org/vehiclecatalog/.

No, there is no scrappage requirement for ISEF. 

Yes, ISEF is open to new companies but information from standard business set–up will be needed to complete voucher requests. 

Truck-as-a-service (TAAS) allows customers to lease battery-electric trucks at a per-mile or per-route rate and can include vehicles, costs of charging infrastructure, installation, and maintenance. 

Other available funding opportunities can be found in the Funding Finder Tool at https://fundingfindertool.org/. 

Providers may request up to 30 vehicle vouchers in the first 90 days after ISEF opens on June 3, 2024. After 90 days, the cap will be lifted, and additional requests can be made.

Yes; all HVIP funding lanes, including ISEF, require a DOT and a CA number. Small fleets may not have needed these before, but if acquiring a vehicle over 10,000 GVWR, these are required. For additional help and information on how to obtain these numbers please contact [email protected].

Providers must submit all regular telematic reports and surveys for at least three years, in accordance with the HVIP Implementation Manual (IM).

In addition, when an approved provider solution allows for frequent fleet turnover, such as a short-term rental, Providers must submit a report every six months disclosing the fleet and service use of ISEF-assisted vehicles. This is in lieu of requiring pre-approval of all domicile address changes as outlined in the HVIP IM.

Providers must track users to reasonably ensure that funded vehicles are with small fleet operators at least 200 days per year.

Public and non-profit fleets are exempt from any revenue provisions.

The HVIP Public School Bus Set-Aside & EnergIIZE – Joint Application closed on December 15, 2023, at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Funding for zero-emission school buses is still available through Standard HVIP.

Public school districts in California that own their own school buses are eligible to participate in the Public School Bus Set‐Aside. This includes public school districts that own their school buses but contract with a County Office of Education or private contractor for maintenance and operations. Where two or more public school districts have formed a Joint Powers Authority (JPA), and the JPA holds ownership of the school buses, the JPA is eligible to participate. Public charter schools that own their own school buses and County Offices of Education that own their own school buses are also eligible to participate.

All applicants must serve students within the K-12 grade levels.

Eligible applicants include:

• California Public School Districts
• California Public Charter Schools, as listed at https://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/si/cs/
• California Joint Power Authorities (JPAs)
• California County Offices of Education (COEs)
• Division of State Special Schools of the California Department of Education

Private schools are not eligible applicants.

The old school bus can be any internal combustion engine using any fuel type. The following are the old school bus eligibility requirements:

• The school bus chassis must be a 2010 model year or older. The school bus chassis age is verified by the model year listed on the DMV Registration Form.
• The school bus must be applicant-owned. The school bus cannot have a lienholder listed on the DMV Registration Form.
• The school bus must have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 14,000 pounds. School buses with a GVWR of exactly 14,000 pounds or less are not eligible.
• The school bus must have a current California Highway Patrol Safety Certification (CHP 292 or equivalent).
• The diesel-fueled school bus(es) must be compliant with the California Truck and Bus Regulation in order to receive a full voucher amount. In cases where the old school bus is not compliant, a $20,000 voucher deduction will be applied.

A lienholder will not prevent an eligible applicant from applying; however, it can significantly slow down the approval process and, in some cases, prevent an applicant from receiving funding. If possible, it is best to remove lienholders before applying. Removing the lienholder can be a time-consuming process. Please refer to the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn more.

The old school bus(es) is required to be California Highway Patrol Safety Certified (CHP 292 or equivalent) at the time of Application Part A and remain certified until Terms and Conditions (funding contract) have been fully executed.

It is imperative to the success of your project to provide timely responses to the HVIP Public School Bus and EnergIIZE Teams. The quicker applicants can resolve questions and/or document corrections, the quicker projects can move forward. Applicant correspondence from the HVIP Public School Bus Team can be sent from the HVIP Voucher Processing Center ([email protected]) or CALSTART School Bus Team ([email protected]). Please make sure to add these contacts to your email to ensure you do not miss any correspondence.

If at any stage in the Public School Bus Set-Aside application or funding process, an applicant ceases to respond to CARB or its administrators regarding missed deadlines for a period beyond 30 days, funding may be cancelled and reallocated to another applicant.

Eligible applicants who apply for the HVIP Public School Bus Set-Aside & EnergIIZE – Joint Application will be eligible for two awards: one through the HVIP Public School Bus Set-Aside for new zero-emission school bus(es) and one through EnergIIZE for the charging infrastructure and construction costs.

Per the FY22-23 Funding Plan for Clean Transportation Incentives, V2G functionality, or bi-directional charging, will be required on all HVIP battery electric school bus vehicle eligibility applications submitted to the California Air Resources Board on or after January 1, 2024. Applications are found in the Manufacturer Resources section at californiahvip.org/sellers.

Specifically, all new battery electric school buses must comply with ISO 15118-20 Road Vehicles, vehicle to grid communication interface, Part 20: 2nd generation network layer and application layer requirements. OEMs must self-certify as to this capability on their school bus vehicle eligibility applications.

The V2G requirement was initially introduced to the HVIP Vehicle Catalog as a requirement for the Public School Bus Set-Aside in 2022.